Home
Webinars
Lessons from Co-ops: Building Your Circle

Back

Lessons from Co-ops: Building Your Circle

What does it take to build a thriving co-op and grow your community? In this webinar series, hosted by Director of Indigenous Relations, Trista Pewapisconias, we dive into the real experiences of co-op founders and members. In this session, “Building Your Circle”, our guests tell us how their members came together to create their co-op, and how they reach new members. They spotlight the processes, challenges, and successes of building and expanding a co-operative.

Hear from guests Sheila Willis of Travel-ING On Tourism Cooperative and Terry Geib of the Cooperative Memorial Society as they share their stories about forming their circles, fostering collaboration, and recruiting new people who believe in their mission. Gain practical tips on community outreach, building trust, and sustaining engagement, as well as firsthand advice on overcoming obstacles along the way. Whether you’re just starting to think about a co-op or are seeking ways to grow an established group, this webinar offers inspiration, practical strategies, and a chance to learn from those who’ve navigated the journey themselves. Connect, ask questions, and get inspired to build and grow your own circle!

Back

“Heather and the team at Co-operatives First are top-notch. Not only their knowledge but their understanding of the project. They have truly helped us along every step of the way. Their timely response and knowledge of the steps are extraordinary. They are forthcoming with information. This is one of the most knowledgeable and friendliest teams I have ever had the pleasure of working with.”

Weyburn Theatre

“Co-operatives First made the process of establishing our Artisan Co-operative a very clear and easy process. The expanse of available tools and resources provided by Co-operatives First answers many questions and lightens the workload. Greatly appreciate having the connections made with Trista and Kyle, they keep the co-operative moving forward.”

Nehiyawaskiy Indigenous Peoples Art Co-op

“Our experience working with the Co-operatives First team was absolutely fabulous. The staff was accommodating, knowledgeable and patient. It was truly a breath of fresh air to have such a wealth of skill and resources available to a non-profit. They were invaluable to our successful launch!”

Heart Linked Community Services Cooperative

“Working with Co-operatives First was fantastic! We are still new to the cooperative world, and we relied heavily on their advice and expertise when drafting our rules/bylaws, and our memorandum of association. The team has experience with many different cooperative models, so they provided advice on what has and hasn’t worked for other cooperatives. We wouldn’t have been able to incorporate without their help!”

Ananda Cooperative

“We have had a very positive experience with everyone at Co-operatives First. They have helped us in multiple ways. Right from the first step in knowing how to incorporate, how to set our business and offering ideas for us to help steer us in the right direction plus allowing us to really make our own decisions. If our decisions go off track, they have gently guided us back to where we needed to be. The Co-operatives first guys are always eager to answer questions, and give ideas to us that got us off the ground.”

South East Butcher Block